Did CM Saha urge PM Modi for Vande Bharat from Agartala, boosting railway infrastructure?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Saha advocates for improved railway infrastructure.
- Request for the Vande Bharat train from Agartala to Guwahati.
- Increased funding for Externally Aided Projects is crucial.
- Plans for new educational institutions like Eklavya Schools.
- Focus on health infrastructure and medical education.
New Delhi/Agartala, Oct 15 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in New Delhi, urging for the initiation of the Vande Bharat train service from Agartala to Guwahati and the dual-laning of the railway tracks in the state. An official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) revealed that during this meeting, the Chief Minister also appealed to the Prime Minister to raise the financial ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs).
Earlier on Monday, CM Saha had a discussion with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, where he requested an increase in the loan limits for EAPs to support various ambitious projects in Tripura, according to the official.
The Chief Minister emphasized that several significant initiatives under the Urban Development Department, Tourism Department, and Agartala Municipal Corporation are currently stalled due to existing restrictions on EAPs.
During Wednesday's meeting, CM Saha requested PM Modi to add 15 more Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Tripura, establish an Agar Board and a research center to enhance the state's Agar industries, and declare Unakoti as a Sustainable Development heritage site.
As per the CMO official, CM Saha also asked the Prime Minister to include the marginalized Reng tribal community under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) scheme and to boost wheat allocations for Tripura in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
CM Saha updated PM Modi on ongoing developments, seeking his support on critical issues.
In a Facebook update, CM Saha expressed: "Under his visionary leadership, and to achieve the vision of a Viksit Tripura and Viksit Bharat, our government has initiated several transformative projects. I informed him about ongoing developments and sought his assistance on vital matters."
On Tuesday, the Tripura Chief Minister also met with Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi, addressing various health infrastructure needs, including plans for a new medical college in the state, as stated by the official.
He revealed that the state government aims to establish a new Medical College in Kulai, located in the aspirational Dhalai district, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The Chief Minister also discussed the creation of a Tertiary Ophthalmology Hospital in Agartala and the establishment of an Immunology Lab for organ transplant services at the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GBP Hospital.
He requested the Union Health Minister, who is also the National President of the BJP, to allocate funds for acquiring advanced medical equipment for the Super Specialty Block at AGMC.
Additionally, CM Saha sought more funds for the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to address outstanding claims.
Currently, Tripura has three medical colleges: Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC), Tripura Medical College (TMC), and Tripura Santiniketan Medical College (TSMC). The TSMC is privately owned, while TMC is managed by a state-established society.